Anthologies

Christmas--the very word conjures up memories of the most wondrous childhood holiday of all--filled with the glitter of colorfully-wrapped presents, family visits, carols, photographs, decorating the tree, attendance at church to celebrate the birth of the Christ child, and tummy-stuffing dinners tucked with treats seen at no other time of the year. But the yule holiday has been celebrated for at least two centuries in North America, and our writers have been producing memorable stories about this unique day for almost as long. Here are 29 Christmas stories old and new, tales to delight, to entrance, to beguile, and even to sadden a whole new generation of readers. From C. C. MacApp's view of a Christmas future to Jacob A. Riis's gut-wrenching portraits of the holiday in the 1890s slums of New York to William J. Locke's reenactment of the tale of the Three Wise Men, we experience every possible facet of this most precious day of the year. So sit back and relive your memories once again, as recreated through the eyes of some of the finest writers of their time! Included in this volume: INTRODUCTION, by Robert Reginald THE BLOSSOMING ROD, by Mary Stewart Cutting AND ALL THE EARTH A GRAVE, by C.C. MacApp A REVERSIBLE SANTA CLAUS, by Meredith Nicholson BEASLEY’S CHRISTMAS PARTY, by Booth Tarkington A CHRISTMAS MYSTERY: THE STORY OF THREE WISE MEN, by William John Locke BETTY’S BRIGHT IDEA, by Harriet Beecher Stowe THE FIRST CHRISTMAS OF NEW ENGLAND, by Harriet Beecher Stowe THE LADY ERMETTA; or, The Sleeping Secret MR. KRIS KRINGLE: A CHRISTMAS TALE, by S. Weir Mitchell ROSEMARY: A CHRISTMAS STORY, by C. N. & A. M. Williamson THE CHRISTMAS CHILD, by Hesba Stretton THE LITTLE GRAY LADY, by F. Hopkinson Smith THE ROMANCE OF A CHRISTMAS CARD, by Kate Douglas Wiggin MR. BAMBOO AND THE HONORABLE LITTLE GOD, by Fannie C. MacAulay MRS. BUDLONG’S CHRISTMAS PRESENTS, by Rupert Hughes THE OAK TREE’S CHRISTMAS GIFT, by Julian Hawthorne THE LONG HILLSIDE: A CHRISTMAS HARE-HUNT IN OLD VIRGINIA, by Thomas Nelson Page CANDLE AND CRIB, by K. F. Purdon TOLD AFTER SUPPER, by Jerome K. Jerome NIBSY’S CHRISTMAS, by Jacob A. Riis WHAT THE CHRISTMAS SUN SAW IN THE TENEMENTS, by Jacob A. Riis SKIPPY OF SCRABBLE ALLEY, by Jacob A. Riis UNCLE NOAH’S CHRISTMAS INSPIRATION, by Leona Dalrymple THE TRUCE OF GOD, by Mary Roberts Rinehart THE GIFT OF THE MAGI, by O. Henry THE LITTLE MIXER, by Lillian Nicholson Shearon THE POTATO CHILD, by Mrs. Charles J. Woodbury A STORY THAT NEVER ENDS, by Mrs. Charles J. Woodbury A NAZARETH CHRISTMAS, by Mrs. Charles J. Woodbury And don't forget to search this ebook store for "Megapack" to see other volumes in the series, from science fiction to ghost stories to mysteries...and many more!

Twenty ghostly tales from the supernatural masters of the Victorian age. Wimbourne Books presents the first in a series of rare or out-of-print ghost stories from Victorian authors. With an introduction by author Alastair Gunn, Volume 1 in the series spans the years 1852 to 1901 and includes stories from a wide range of female authors; English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh and American. Includes tales by Mary Elizabeth Braddon, Charlotte Riddell, Isabella Banks and Vernon Lee. Readers new to this genre will discover its pleasures; the Victorian quaintness, the sometimes shocking difference in social norms, the almost comical politeness and structured etiquette, the archaic and precise language, but mostly the Victorians’ skill at stoking our fears and trepidations, our insecurities and doubts. Even if you are already an aficionado of the ghostly tale there is much within these pages to interest you. Wait until the dark of the stormy night arrives, lock the doors, shutter the windows, light the fire, sit with your back to the wall and bury yourself in the Victorian macabre. Try not to let the creaking floorboards, the distant howl of a dog, the chill breeze that caresses the candle, the shadows in the far recesses of your room, disturb your concentration. Includes the stories; The Old Nurse’s Story (1852) – Elizabeth Gaskell; The Last House in C- Street (1856) – Dinah Maria Craik; My Friend’s Story (1859) – Catherine Ann Crowe; The Cold Embrace (1860) – Mary Elizabeth Braddon; How The Third Floor Knew The Potteries (1863) – Amelia B. Edwards; The Haunted Organist of Hurly Burly (1866) – Rosa Mulholland; Wraith-Haunted (1869) – Isabella Banks; The Ghost in the Cap’n Brown House (1870) – Harriet Beecher Stowe; The Man With the Nose (1872) – Rhoda Broughton; Seen In The Moonlight (1875) – Ellen Wood; The Secret Chamber (1876) – Margaret Oliphant; The Open Door (1882) – Charlotte Riddell; In The Dark (1885) – Mary E. Penn; The Story of the Rippling Train (1887) – Mary Louisa Molesworth; A Wicked Voice (1890) – Vernon Lee; The Trainer’s Ghost (1893) – Lettice Galbraith; How He Left The Hotel (1894) – Louisa Baldwin; The Picture On The Wall (1895) – Katharine Tynan; The Woodley Lane Ghost (1899) – Madeleine Vinton Dahlgren; The Ghost of the Belle-Alliance Plantation (1901) – Lilian Giffen. Contains detailed biographies of all authors Contains stories not previously anthologized Includes a scholarly introduction by author Alastair Gunn

'Unmasking the Silence - 17 Powerful Slave Narratives in One Edition' delves into the profound depths of human resilience and the fierce spirit of survival through the spectra of slavery's harsh realities. This anthology compiles a compelling range of narratives that underscore the individual and collective agony, stoicism, and the relentless quest for freedom. The literary styles are as varied as they are intense, from the wrenching directness of firsthand accounts to beautifully wrought prose, offering a panoramic view into the insidious institution of slavery. The standout pieces in this collection unflinchingly confront the pain and degradation imposed upon their subjects, providing an unsanitized historical record. The contributors to 'Unmasking the Silence' are a cohort of voices profoundly embedded in the struggle against slavery, each bringing a unique but unifying perspective born from their personal experiences. Figures like Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and Harriet Jacobs, among others, are not only pivotal in their autobiographical import but also in the broader sociopolitical discourse concerning liberty, identity, and human rights. Their writings document the resilience of the human spirit in the face of relentless cruelty and became cornerstones for both abolitionist movements and literary genres detailing slave life. This anthology is essential not only as a historical document but as a continued call to awareness and action in the ongoing struggle for human rights. Scholars, students, and general readers interested in the full scope of human experience under slavery will find 'Unmasking the Silence' a deeply enriching collection. It invites readers into a world of diverse narratives that collectively articulate an unyielded demarcation against oppression while exploring the manifold implications of freedom, resistance, and survival. The anthology serves both as a testament to past horrors and a beacon of hope in understanding the complexities of human nature and resilience.

Delving into the harrowing yet transformative narratives of 'Slavery Exposed,' this anthology offers an expansive examination of the lived experiences and literary representations of slavery. With its rich tapestry of voices, this collection chronicles the nuanced realities of bondage, resilience, and liberation. Underscored by dynamic literary styles ranging from autobiographical accounts, poignant essays, searing narratives, and critical essays, the collection sheds light on the enduring impact and indelible traces of slavery. The diversity of styles is united by a commitment to authentic and insightful storytelling, driving home the enduring significance of these works, many of which remain pivotal to the discourse surrounding slavery. The anthology is further enriched by the vast array of backgrounds illustrated by its contributors such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Jacobs, and Booker T. Washington, among others. Reflecting different racial, cultural, and socio-economic perspectives, these narratives weave a complex historical fabric that mirrors the various facets of the abolitionist movement and early civil rights efforts. The intertwining of firsthand accounts with literary fiction and critical expositions not only highlights the creative prowess employed to articulate these experiences but also attests to the collective struggles for dignity and equality. 'Readers of Slavery Exposed are invited to immerse themselves in the compelling voices that challenge conventional narratives and provide profound insights into the multifaceted institution of slavery. This anthology not only serves as an educational resource but also as a doorway to a deeper understanding of cultural and historical dynamics at play. Through these diverse literary expressions, the collection fosters an enlightened dialogue that transcends time, offering a keen look at history, identity, and the enduring quest for justice and freedom.'

Experience the warmth and wonder of Christmas through the masterful storytelling of some of our greatest literary minds. Sixteen classic stories capture the enduring appeal of the Christmas tradition, all wrapped in lore with heartwarming narratives of redemption and humorous tales of everyday life. Selections include “A Christmas Tree” by Charles Dickens, “A Country Christmas” by Louisa May Alcott, “A Kidnapped Santa Claus” by L. Frank Baum, “A Letter from Santa Claus” by Mark Twain, “The Burglar’s Christmas” by Willa Cather, “The Christmas Banquet” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, “Christmas; or, the Good Fairy” by Harriet Beecher Stowe, “The Elves and the Shoemaker” by the Brothers Grimm, “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, and “Where Love Is, There God Is Also” by Leo Tolstoy.